Rafa feels so rough

FROM BACK PAGE an old hernia wound. Benitez, absent all week from training, had hoped to make it to Newcastle from his Merseyside home yesterday – but was in pain.

He will make a late decision on being in the Liberty Stadium dugout on Sunday.

The medical drama has heightened the mood of unease about his future.

The Spaniard tops West Ham’s wanted list should Slaven Bilic be sacked.

His frustration at Newcastle’s summer transfer dealings has been brewing and owner Mike Ashley sent key staff to see Benitez last month to order an end to the sniping.